North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

To ensure safety, scaffolding should never exceed a certain height from the face of the work. What is that limit?

1. 12 inches

2. 18 inches

3. 24 inches

4. 30 inches

The correct answer is: 18 inches

The appropriate limit for scaffolding from the face of the work is 18 inches. This requirement is in place to ensure that workers maintain proper safety while working at elevated heights. When scaffolding is positioned too far from the work surface, it can lead to increased risk of falls and accidents, as workers may have difficulty accessing their tools and materials or may be more prone to losing their balance. Maintaining this 18-inch limit helps to create a stable working environment where employees can operate more safely and efficiently. This guideline is typically adopted from established safety standards, such as those stipulated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), which aim to minimize hazards on construction sites. Understanding and adhering to this requirement is crucial for all construction professionals to foster a safe working atmosphere and to comply with legal safety standards.